MERIDIAN —
From a Bulldog to a Blue Devil.
After announcing in early April his intentions to leave Mississippi State, former Meridian High standout Rodney Hood has settled on his new collegiate home: Duke, his family told The Star late Saturday night.
Hood, who had committed to the home-state Bulldogs — and the alma mater of both his parents, Ricky and Vicky — prior to the start of his senior season at MHS, took his time in making his latest decision.
Also stopping off at Memphis, Hood made trips to Ohio State and Duke in recent weeks with the Buckeyes and Blue Devils emerging as the leaders for the 6-foot-8, 204-pounder’s services. Earlier this week while attending the Kevin Durant Skills Academy, Hood told SNY.tv that he was ready to make his decision Wednesday or Thursday after returning home from the camp in Chicago.
Hood, though, wasn’t ready to make the call until Saturday night, when he chose perennial national contender Duke. Hood, under NCAA transfer rules, must sit out the 2012-13 season and can’t travel with the Blue Devils. However, he will be allowed to practice as soon as he enrolls at the Durham, N.C., school.
In his one season at Mississippi State, Hood started from the outset and earned All-Southeastern Conference freshman team honors while averaging 10.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He suffered a bone bruise to his left knee in a loss to eventual national champion Kentucky on Feb. 21, causing Hood to miss the Bulldogs’ next game.
Hood was the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year in 2011 after leading Meridian to its first state championship since 1978 and he was the No. 16 recruit in the country according to Rivals.com.
Sports
Related Photos
-
Mississippi State guard Rodney Hood (4) starts a fast break as Arkansas guard Kikko Haydar (20) and Marvell Waithe run to catch up during the second half of their NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi State won 79-59. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Discussion
Hood chooses Duke
- Sports
-
-
Titles nothing new for Newton County
Newton County captured its seventh fast-pitch state championship, outscoring defending champion Houston 26-3 in two games. The Cougars took home the title despite not having a single senior on their roster –– still, few were surprised.
-
Embry completes 5A title sweep
In his first year coaching the Neshoba Central softball team, Trae Embry won two state titles but wouldn't take all the credit.
-
Morgan takes runner-up at Nationals
Meridian Community College golfer, TJ Morgan, from Bruce, MS, tied for the
individual medalist at the NJCAA D1 National Championship held in Lubbock, TX, but lost on the first hole of a playoff. TJ shot 7 under for the tournament with a 76 on the first day followed by 68, 67 and a last round 70. Aksel Olsen from Wallace State Community College won the playoff. TJ was named First Team All-American for his high finish. -
MSU’s Renfroe wins Ferriss Trophy
The first time Mississippi State coach John Cohen saw Hunter Renfroe play baseball, he marveled at his natural ability.
Three years later, he's also in awe of his work ethic. -
(PHOTOS) Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship
Slideshow of Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
(PHOTOS) Newton County wins Class 4A
Slideshow of Newton County in the Class 4A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
(PHOTOS) Neshoba wins Class 5A
Slideshow of Neshoba Central in the Class 5A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
Newton County beats Houston 10-0 to claim 7th fast-pitch championshi
Players from Newton County’s dugout barely made it to the foul line before a celebratory dogpile ensued here Saturday. Indeed, winning never gets old.
The Lady Cougars blanked Houston 10-0 Saturday at Freedom Ridge Park, completing an easy sweep of their best-of-three, Class 4A State Championship Series and gaining a measure of revenge after falling short a year ago. -
Rockets roar by East Central, claim 5A crown
Trae Embry took somewhat of a gamble when he accepted the softball
coaching job at Neshoba Central -- leaving his hometown and his comfort zone for a
new opportunity. - Newton County wins state
- More Sports Headlines
-
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
